Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Macon is 18% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,026/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 24%
$50,747/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 5%
$165,800 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 14%
$1,016/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 22%
156,543
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $2,656/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Allentown — common questions

Is Macon or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Allentown?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Allentown?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $2,656/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Pennsylvania?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Macon and Allentown

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